The tour took us up the road to the famous Tea Garden arches, stopping to look at the old reservoirs and amphitheater. Much of the original art had been vandalized and stolen over the years, but the grandeur was still evident.

After that we headed up a trail that originally went all the way to Gibraltar Road, near where the West Fork Cold Spring Trail ends. That trail is now blocked off at the top for security reasons. And we cut off long before that, near some power towers.

From there we took a steep side trail down to a water tunnel which was the source for most of the original water fountains and other water features. From there we made our way back to Mountain Drive.

The Sierra Club is given this tour every couple of years. So, if you missed it this time, watch the Sierra Club hike listings for the next tour!